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“Romance, I assume?”

I smile. “Of course.”

“What's it about?”

I hesitate, trying to decide how much to share.

“It's a little personal,” I admit. “I think I've put more of myself into this one than I originally intended.”

Lucy smiles. “Aren't those usually the best stories?”

“I hope so.”

Beau nods. “Well, when it's ready, I'd be interested in hearing about it.”

For a second, I forget I'm supposed to be making a good impression and not standing here looking like someone just handed me the keys to my dream career.

I've spent months wondering if I'm good enough to belong in this world.

And now someone who could actually open a door for me is asking to read my work.

Holy cow!

My stomach does a little flip. “Really?”

“Absolutely. But don't rush it on my account. Good stories are worth getting right.”

Angela looks pleased enough to burst. “Delaney's also been helping Samantha with a particularly challenging manuscript.”

I laugh. “That's a generous description.”

Beau raises an eyebrow. “Challenging how?”

“The author has a great premise, but the characters keep making decisions that don't feel earned. So we're working on strengthening their motivations.”

“Sounds like you enjoy the developmental side.”

“I do. Probably more than I expected.”

He nods. Good editors who understand commercial fiction are valuable.”

Something about the way he says it makes me stand a little straighter. Before I can respond, someone calls his name from across the room.

Beau glances over. “Duty calls.”

Lucy sighs dramatically. “See? Serious businessman.”

He laughs and rests a hand against her back. “It was nice meeting you, Delaney.”

“You too.”

“And keep doing what you're doing.”

I smile. “I plan to.”

As they move away, Angela turns toward me. “Well?”

I blink. “Well, what?”